This record is a total work conceived graphically, musically, lyrically and accidentally
- as a whole. The performances were guided by the given compositional structures and the audibly inspired beauty of every player. The whole unfolded like a mystery. It is not my intention to unravel that mystery for anyone, but rather to offer some additional clues:

"Centerpiece" is a Johnny Mandel-Jon Hendricks tune. John Guerin and I collaborated on "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns." "The Boho Dance" is a Tom Wolfe-ism from the book, "The Painted Word." The poem, "Don't Interrupt The Sorrow" was born around 4 a.m. in a New York loft. Larry Poons seeded it and Bobby Neuwirth was midwife here, but the child filtered thru Genesis at Jackson Lake, Saskatchewan, is rebellious and mystical and insists that its conception was immaculate.

Henry - more than an engineer - Lewy and his assistant Ellis Sorkin, piloted these tapes to their destination; Henry and I mixed them; and Bernie Grundman mastered them at A&M studios in Hollywood.

I drew the cover and designed the package with research help and guidance from Glen Christensen, Electra/Asylum Art Director. The photo is Norman Seeff's.

I would especially like to thank Myrt and Bill Anderson, North Battleford, New York, Saskatoon, Bel-Air, Burbank, Burundi, Orange County, the deep, deep heart of Dixie, Blue, National Geographic Magazine, Helpful Henry The Housewife's Delight - and John Guerin for showing me the
root of the chordand where 1 was.

She could see the blue pools in the sqinting sun and hear the hissing of summer lawns...

All songs written and composed by Joni Mitchell copyright 1975 by Crazy Crow Music BMI, except "Centerpiece," written and composed by Johnny Mandel and Jon Hendricks and published by Caphryl Music ASCAP copyright 1958 and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns," written and composed by John Guerin and Joni Mitchell and published by Crazy Crow Music BMI and Man Man's Drum Music ASCAP. All Lyrics reprinted with permission of the publishers. All Rights reserved.

Comments on The Hissing of Summer Lawns

One of my favorite albums. It's a celebration of musical and poetic beauty.

JoniMySavior on 2013-Aug-04 at 17:08:09 GMT-5:

I just have to say though, I agree 100, with Joan's later interviews in that, the lazy critics comment, the rest often follow with their judgments. This album, Hissing of Summer Lawns, should have been the next bigger success for her. Higher and better than Court and Spark. Bar none, this album marks the division between a material place that the world would funnel into, and the point where each individual should lead for their own. At first, it seems like a big leap, but not really after.

JoniMySavior on 2013-Mar-21 at 12:01:08 GMT-5:

Probably my favorite album of all time out of any artist.

mrtpiano on 2011-Jun-24 at 06:14:00 GMT-5:

This is my favourite album of Joni's and ive posted an online discussion about it on this website's forum which i'd love anyone to comment on. As Joni mentioned in the liner notes, there are mysteries to unravel and she invites us to speculate about the songs and the album's meaning. I believe there are many clues buried in the lyrics. I found a direct link with a verse on the title track and a scene from a David Bowie documentary film "Cracked Actor", (released at the time of recording). Its a sublime, ambiguous and beautifully performed album which still has things yet to be revealed.

Jacquie on 2009-Nov-21 at 11:44:19 GMT-5:

I've listened to this one so much, the music has a taste in my month! Just the title itself "the hissing of summer lawns" is great, I can hear cicadas and feel the still heat. The cover art work is fascinating with this group of men carrying a fantastic jungle creature out or to the big city. LOVE IT.

sweet.bird on 2009-Oct-14 at 21:13:54 GMT-5:

this record is honestly, one of the best i've ever heard.
to me... it just has such a unique soul.
even some of the demos for this record (either solo acoustic or acoustic/piano mix) are amazing!